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Water Heater Replacement Cost Cost Guide (2026)
Estimate the installed cost of replacing a water heater by type and state, then request local plumber pricing.
Open the water heater replacement cost calculator
Typical cost ranges
These are installed-cost planning ranges for the options modelled by the calculator.
| Option | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Electric tank (40–50 gal) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Gas tank (40–50 gal) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Tankless gas | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| Heat pump water heater | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Solar water heating | $4,000 – $8,000 |
Planning ranges, not quotes. Your project's access, condition and local code can move the number.
What changes the price
Installed price covers the unit, labor, haul-away and basic code items. Tankless conversions often need gas line upsizing and new venting, which is why they cost 2–3x a tank swap.
- Gas line / venting upgrade — +$500 – $2,000 per number of units
- Expansion tank / code items — +$200 – $600 per number of units
State differences
Local labour rates change the same job by 10–40%. Examples for the cheapest option above (full 51-state adjustment in the calculator):
| State | Multiplier | Adjusted range |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | ×1.05 | $1,260 – $2,625 |
| California | ×1.45 | $1,740 – $3,625 |
| Florida | ×1.05 | $1,260 – $2,625 |
| Georgia | ×0.95 | $1,140 – $2,375 |
| Illinois | ×1.02 | $1,224 – $2,550 |
| New York | ×1.30 | $1,560 – $3,250 |
| Ohio | ×0.92 | $1,104 – $2,300 |
| Texas | ×0.98 | $1,176 – $2,450 |
How to use the calculator
- Enter your project size and choose the material or system.
- Add optional items (removal, permits, upgrades) and your state.
- Read the planning range and line-item breakdown.
- Have a quote? Paste it into the quote checker to see where it sits.
Before you hire
- Verify the contractor's licence and insurance with the official state source — see our verification guide.
- Get three written quotes using the same scope.
- Use our project checklist to compare permits, disposal and warranty.
FAQ
How much does a water heater replacement cost?
A standard 40–50 gallon tank runs $1,200–$3,000 installed. Tankless is $2,500–$5,500; heat pump units are $3,000–$6,000 before rebates.
How long does installation take?
A like-for-like tank replacement is usually 2–4 hours; tankless conversions can take a full day.
Do I need a permit?
Most jurisdictions require a plumbing permit for a water heater replacement.
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Read guide →How we build these ranges: methodology and data sources. CostBrick is an information and referral service — not a contractor and not a quote.